The Myth Of Thor's Duel With Hrungnir

In the Myth of Thor’s duel with Hrungnir there are three character’s that represent a different stages in the development of masculinity, Odin, Thor and Magni all of whom related by blood. Odin the father of Thor is in his late stages of life as an advisor or elder, Thor entering the middle stage of life as as a provider and protector and Magni the son of Thor entering the youngest stage of manhood. Odin in his later stage is reminiscent of his past and becomes restless. Looking for excitement he encounters Hrungnir, a giant with a head and heart made of stone. They argue over the status of their horses and race them into Asgard. Odin was assumingly looking for a battle to ease his restlessness, in his older age he resists the urge of violent battle and is seemingly satisfied by winning the horse race. He has led the giant into a sacred hall where Hrungnir could not engage in violence. Possibly to end the tension or the anger from Hrungnir from losing the race. The change in his attitude is seen once Hrungnir enters Asgard, Odin greets him by complementing his horse “That is an uncommonly fine horse you’ve got there”. He then announces to all others in the hall that Hrungnir has come as a guest and is not armed to decrease the threat that Hrungnir possess. The boosting and bragging that occurred prior to the horse

In the myth Thor is struck in the head with a piece of Hrungnir’s hone, it is irremovable by both Thor’s wife and the witch Groa. A piece of the giant has become a part of Thor, his memory of the kill will always be with him, as knowledge and experience. It can also relate to the post-traumatic stress that people often encounter with battle. That they are haunted by the events of their past in dreams, or everyday doings. Given the violent nature of the Vikings there were probably instances of this